About the Program

The Teachers’ Program for Global Studies, in partnership with the Elms College Division of Education, began offering a number of seminars and workshops for teachers in 2014 and 2015, and is continuing the partnership in 2016.

The Massachusetts Geographic Alliance (MGA), one of 50 state geography alliances affiliated with the National Geographic Society, wants to improve geo-literacy not only among college-age and younger students, but among teachers as well. A grassroots organization comprising hundreds of teachers in the Commonwealth dedicated to improving geography education, MGA received a $27,500 grant in the fall of 2014 from the National Geographic Education Foundation and, in partnership with the Elms College Division of Education, brought a number of seminars and workshops for teachers to the Elms campus in 2014 and 2015, and is continuing in 2016. Elms is now one of MGA’s regional geographic centers, joining Bridgewater State University and Salem State University.

Funding for the workshops and seminars is provided by a grant from the Massachusetts Consortium for Global Education at Framingham State University and hosted by Elms College.

Individual seminars are co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Geographic Alliance, the Geography Department at Westfield State College, Geography Department at Bridgewater State University, the Five College Center for East Asian Studies, the Leventhal Map Museum at Boston Public Library, and the Africa Studies Center at Boston University.

Seminar/Workshop Programs

These workshops are open to current teachers, teachers in training and undergraduate education majors. It is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Consortium for Global Education at Framingham State University and is hosted by Elms College.

Teaching About East Asia with a Focus on China

October 22, 29, and November 5, 9 am to 3 p.m.

Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, Hadley, Mass.

($100 stipend available with submission of brief application and statement of intent)

This 18-hour seminar, which is open to all K-12 educators, provides content about East Asia from experts in the field, $100 in course materials, 18 professional development points, and the opportunity to complete an additional 12 hours to become a NCTA alumnus and eligible for subsidized study tour in East Asia (pending funding) with completion of requirements. Free PDPs are available upon request and upon completion of requirements.

This seminar is sponsored by the Five College Center for East Asian Studies, a national coordinating site for the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, funded by the Freeman Foundation, co-sponsored by Teachers' Program for Global Studies, Education Division, Elms College, and the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School.

Understanding Islam for the Classroom

COMING IN 2017

This seminar will provide a brief history of Islam, a review of its teachings, current politics, and a list of local resources for teachers. PDPs are available (email arlene.kowal@elms.edu for specifics) and Elms students are welcome. Materials and resources provided, and lunch is included. Presenters are professors Caner Dagli, and Martin Pion. This seminar is geared toward middle and high school teachers; registration fee is $25.

National Geographic Massachusetts Giant State Floor Map

COMING IN 2017

This workshop is geared toward K-8 teachers who would like to have free use of the new National Geographic Massachusetts Giant State Floor Map in their schools. A training session is provided for use of the 16-ft x 20-ft map, with lessons provided by National Geographic and by Grade 3 teachers who developed several specific-to-Massachusetts State Curriculum frameworks. Teachers who devise new lessons will be eligible for a stipend. Presenters are Casey Nadeau and Arlene Kowal. Refreshments are provided; registration fee is $15.